Two Weeks Remain For OK Wildfire Victims To Apply For Assistance

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance looms for people affected by the recent wildfires in Creek and Cleveland counties.

8/9/2012 Related Story: Governor Surveys Wildfire Damage In Cleveland County

Homeowners, renters and businesses owners who sustained damage due to the August 3-14 wildfire in those counties have until November 21 to apply for disaster assistance.

"Registration is the first step in the process, but time is running out," said State Coordinating Officer and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Deputy Director Michelann Ooten. "We want everyone who is eligible to receive assistance as soon as possible."

Complete Coverage: Oklahoma Wildfires

"To date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $6.7 million to help people in Cleveland and Creek counties whose property was damaged or destroyed, and whose losses are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III. "If anyone has suffered losses or damages as a result of the wildfire and has not yet registered for assistance, I urge them to register before time runs out."

Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses of real and personal property must also be submitted by November 21. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to qualified homeowners, renters and certain private non-profit organizations and businesses of any size that sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to the disaster.

Find out how to register for FEMA disaster assistance! Survivors can also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the August 3-14 wildfire, can apply for an SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA's secure site or calling 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339.